Top 5 decorating Tips and Tricks

We understand that not everyone can factor in a decorator, also we are so busy some people just can’t wait. We aren’t too precious to offer advice when it’s asked for or even when it isn’t (lol) .

Here are some tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way from David……

1.

Oil based paints don’t only yellow through time, they yellow in low light areas too. This is one of the reasons a Matt finish has become so popular, you might not think so at first, but you’ll quickly learn how much longer lasting it is, and it looks clean and modern too!

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From £31.84
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2.

Always sand down! It doesn’t matter how smooth you think your surfaces are, they will look ten times better if you sand down old paint first- especially silk, you have to sand this down if you are applying a Matt finish. If you don’t your newly decorated surface won’t look great and won’t last long.

3.

Sanding down woodwork is even more important! If you don’t your new paint can begin peeling or rubbing off. Also there’s nothing worse than runs being painted over. It’s makes them so much more prominent under fresh paint. After applying your paint go back over lightly with a synthetic brush to get rid of brush marks.

4.

Use masking tape and protective sheets. These aren’t very expensive anymore and will save you so much work at the end of your job. Using plastic sheets to cover areas not being worked on will save you tonnes of clean up work at the end, and save your heart jumping out of your chest if you drop/drip anything. Masking tape applied correctly can leave amazing clean lines and save carpets! If you’ve a long pile carpet use a scraper to push your masking tape down the edge, this will save the carpet from sticking to the paint.

5.

Always mist coat fresh plaster. If you don’t at best the paint will be absorbed into the plaster, at worst it can peel off completely! Mist coat by mixing 50% Matt and 50% water.